Virtual buddy movement program to improve motor and social skills in children in remission from leukemia
Official title: The Impact of a 12-week Virtual Buddy-movement Therapy on the Psychomotor and Social Development of Pediatric Oncology Patients in Remission
Run by Comenius University · NCT07522905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This 12-week program will test whether virtual buddy-led movement therapy helps children aged 5–12 in remission from precursor cell lymphoblastic leukemia improve motor skills and social interaction.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 5 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Comenius University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Bratislava) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 7, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07522905 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 5–12 who are in complete remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia after first-line treatment and who can participate with a healthy buddy aged 5–12 are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with active disease, major mobility-limiting comorbidities, or who cannot commit to at least 80% of the sessions are unlikely to receive benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia commonly experience reduced physical activity, motor delays, and social isolation; this project tests a 12-week virtual buddy-movement therapy to address those issues. Each participant in remission is paired with a healthy friend (both aged 5–12) to complete structured, supervised movement sessions delivered virtually that focus on balance, coordination, strength, and cooperative play. Outcomes include validated measures of motor skills, balance, functional mobility, and social/quality-of-life indicators collected before and after the intervention. The program is coordinated by Comenius University and the National Institute of Children's Diseases in Bratislava and requires participants to commit to regular session attendance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve motor function, reduce injury risk, and support social reintegration and overall quality of life for childhood leukemia survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Exercise and rehabilitation programs have previously improved fitness and quality of life in pediatric cancer survivors, but virtual buddy-led movement therapy is a relatively new approach with limited direct evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 5-12 years * Diagnosis: acute lymphoblastic leukemia in complete remission * First-line treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia according to the treatment protocol * BUDDY - a healthy friend aged 5-12 years Exclusion Criteria: * Participation in the movement program less than 80%
Where it's running
-
National Institute of Children´s Diseases
Bratislava, Slovakia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Adriana Kaplánová, PhD. — Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia
- Study coordinator: Adriana Kaplánová, PhD.
- Email: adriana.kaplanova@uniba.sk
- Phone: +421908615773
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.